Mr. Na Sang Chai, 49
Organic Persimmon Farmer
What do you grow on the farm?
Sweet persimmons. They’re high quality. I’ve been farming for 24 years.What’s your method of farming?
I try to be environmentally friendly without using chemicals. I learned from the Association for Natural Farming and also got some books from environmental organizations.Could you describe your typical workday?
I get up around 6am and go out to the orchard until lunch and return until evening. What I do depends on the season. This season, spring, I try to control the number of fruits on the trees. Too many is not good for nutrition, so I trim the branches. I do that for two months, especially May and June.Do your persimmons sell well?
I sell directly, no middleman. Mine are a well-known brand in this area.Why don’t more persimmon farmers do it the natural farming way?
Some have made a late start in farming. There is also a lack of awareness about natural farming. Many areas are contaminated with agricultural chemical sprays. In this area, however, many farmers farm the natural way.Are you satisfied with the pay?
Yes.How do you deal with pests without spraying?
The reason we use the pesticide and chemicals is because we create the conditions for needing them. If we try to use the chemicals, it becomes like a food for pests. Also, it kills the soil’s nutrition, so in the end it’ll destroy the ecosystem. It’s not good for the crops either. So I use sawdust or cow manure for fertilizer instead.Do you ever feel bored up here on the mountain?
I don’t want to go into town. I only go when I feel forced to, 4-5 times a month. I used to live in Seoul, but wasn’t happy there. Living in the city is very competitive. People are not friendly or nice to each other.Are there any bad points to being a persimmon farmers?
I need to pay helpers to come. There are not young people available for this. They all move to the city.Any seasonal trouble?
Right now (spring). This is the most work-intensive time.Any dreams for the future?
This area is designated as an environmentally friendly area. One of my wishes is to expand. Currently I’m the president of Environmentally Friendly Farmers Association.Is that traditional Korean clothing you’re wearing?
It’s like a modernized traditional clothing.Do you work in those clothes?
Sometimes yes sometimes no.It looks cool. And it’s the the color of persimmons.
the end